The minimal stage setting of Saltlee.
Saltlee is a duo hailing from Fukoka, Kyushu. Shiori handles guitar duties, Ai is at the drums, and both share vocal work, often trading back and forth on their English lyrics several times in the course of a single song. Songwriting duties seem to be shared between the two as well. Despite the simple, two-instruments, two-voices setup, they are able to create a full, melodic, and rhythmically tight sound. The basic rhythms are balanced with sugar-sweet harmonies. The song “Like a Dog” starts with a straight-forward Bo Diddley guitar riff but evolves into a complex interweaving vocal harmony. “Don’t You Want Me?” begins with explosive guitar noise before devolving into a primitive drum-fueled chorus. Songs such as “Do You Wanna Kiss” and “It’s OK” capture the exuberance of the early Ramones. “Bitter” evokes shades of The Pretenders or The Go-Go’s.
Since forming the band, Shiori has moved to Tokyo, while Ai still lives in Kyushu, meaning the band can meet for live shows only once a month. This is definitely a band to see when the chance arises.
Shiori and Ai singing a harmony.
The Saltlee set list.
